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HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

  • 1.  HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-13-2021 10:24
    Good morning....I am new to this site and I am desperate to try to find an answer to the issues ,when a person just can not take a statin, as to what do we do? I had a stint put in my main artery January 12th 2000.Went through a year of severe palpations and episodes of trouble breathing.....as a very active person and never smoked in my life and ate healthy I was very confused. I was told about my high cholesterol for a few years ,but due to my sensitivity to so many medications ,I was afraid to go on a statin .I tried to get it down in every way possible, but due to stress it just didn't happen. So with that said you would have thought after many trips to the ER they would have suggested an angiogram. Two days in the hospital and every heart test possible and  they said "you have a healthy heart"! After many months of not knowing what to do as the episodes got worse, finally the heart doctor said lets do an angiogram. On the table during the test, the doctor comes around and says to me, "good thing we did this...89 % blockage in the main artery" !!!!

                   Because of my trouble with most medications they made sure I did not have an allergic reaction to the dye they use for the testing. So outcome is of course statins!!! he put me on Crestor .....after about 4 weeks on this stuff I could hardly walk ...my legs hurt so bad I could barley climb my steps .I stayed on it for another month or so because the doctor kind of said to me that a lot of people THINK they have muscle pain but its not really there ,basically! So he did blood work......my CK level was off the charts.....so STOP the statins for a while he says!!! As of today I have tried many statins ,even a new one called Livalo..........same effects so far. I am done with statins, but I want to see my grandchildren grow up ! Does anyone have any answers to what I can do other that a statin.I can not be the only one who just can not take these things!!!  Sorry so long......just trying to see if anyone can relate to this issue. Thank you !

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 00:14
    Hi ! Linda,
    I understand your struggles as I come from a Family who has had classical high Cholesterol #'s, it is not from Diet it is Genetic. 
    My 82 year old Mother who has been on Statins for over 25 years is now battling Dementia/Alzheimers.  I have chosen with my Dr.'s approval to use a Supplement that is Oat Based and it has kept my #'s in Check.  It is called Nutrim the package barcode # is :  8 5763100201 5  I add it to my Daily Cranberry Juice or Coffee/Cocoa each day. If you religiously remove Fats, (Fried Foods, Cheeses, IceCream etc.) this supplement should do the trick, it has for me.  As for the Meat I eat only Turkey, Fish & Chicken. 
    Watch your Diet and don't forget at a minimum of cardio of about a 30 minute walk a day.  Keep an Eye on your Blood work as you watch your Numbers become controlled.    Be Blessed with your continued Heart Recovery . . .

    ​​​

    ------------------------------
    Robin Gage
    Board Member
    Heart Failure Society of America
    Lakeland FL
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 08:12
    Thank yo so much for your advice!!!! I found this item on Amazon. May I ask you if your lipid results were very high compared to what they should be? My triglycerides are 204,as they were in the high 300's.My LDL is 230. Iam very afraid to go off of the statin, as I just started it yesterday.....again! But I really am desperate to try anything that might work VS the statin! Iam going to buy some today and try it .Do you recall how long it too you to see a drop in your numbers? I am very thankful for your input,as I have never been told about this product! I will keep you up dated ,and thank you so much!!! Have a wonderful day!

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 19:05
    I've found a good quality fish oil can lower high tri-glycerides.

    Good luck, Linda.?? Robin's advice sounds promising

    DE




  • 5.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 21:13
    Hi ! Linda ... My Cardio Dr. also said to eat Oatmeal Every other day 1/2C Whole Oat Flakes (No Pkgd. Preservatives Powder Packets) w/1/4 C Raisins or Cranberries.  I use only Coconut Milks to avoid t/Fats in Regular Milks.  The Oat is a Purifier grain and pulls the Bad Oils from the Bloodstream that your body is not processing correctly.  I was t/High 290's and now w/Diet changes I previously described I hover around t/140-160 range.  Read Dr.Stephen Gundry's the Plant Paradox and his following complementary Books about Cardiological "Turn Arounds" through lifestyle changes ... Amazingness Insight & Healthful Regimen to follow !! I do so Daily !! Be Blessed ! : )

    ------------------------------
    Robin Gage
    Board Member
    Heart Failure Society of America
    Lakeland FL
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 02-22-2023 08:12

    I am eager to join this discussion.  I am taking Rosuvastatin 20 mg and Brillenta 90 mg 2 x day. I am experiencing many GI side effects as well as dark urine. Nt doc is not very responsive, so I'm putting out my question here.

    Thank you!



    ------------------------------
    holly hauser
    na
    Burlington VT
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 02-22-2023 09:33
    Good morning all,

    The mere mention of a "heart attack" 40-50 years ago usually meant bleak news; however, not so today. As a matter of fact, most cardio-vascular issues are treatable-with very positive outcomes, regardless of age or prior medical conditions. With regards to statins, I can only recommend what I take, which is Lecithin and Red yeast rice. There are no side effects. 

    Best regards,
    Terry (Boca Raton) Mitral valve and tricuspid repair 10/22 @ The Mount Sinai Hospital, N.Y.







  • 8.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-24-2021 15:41
    Linda, My wife had great difficulty also with statins. She found success with CRESTOR using the generic ROSUVASTIN.  She takes 5 mg every other day and 10 MG on the other day. Works for her total runs 180.
    I hope this may help you.
    David Rosen
    chapter  206 Atlantis, Florida


    ------------------------------
    David Rosen
    Lake Worth FL
    (561) 969-7010
    DavidRosenLake WorthFL
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-26-2021 18:11
    With statins, don't forget to avoid Grapefruit in any form

    ------------------------------
    Marilyn Rosenhouse
    Dallas Tx
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 07:07
    Has the Nutrim helped you?  I am trying to find a way to lower my cholesterol without having to take a statin.  They make my feet, legs & hips hurt.

    ------------------------------
    Linda Fino
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 07:07
    I have had high cholesterol for quite a few years.  I've tried 3 statins so far and they all cause me pain.  4 months ago my doctor told me to lose weight and to start taking Metamucil.  I've lost 18 lbs. and am at a good weight now.  I've been taking the Metamucil once a day.  Maybe I should have been taking more!!  I just had my cholesterol checked and it's bad! 326.   I don't know what to do!  I wonder if the Nutrim you are taking would help me!  I have a video doctor appointment tomorrow.  I hope he can suggest a plan to lower my cholesterol!!

    ------------------------------
    Linda Fino
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 07:59
    Linda,
    Do you have a regular cardiologist? The next step would be to have a consult with a lipidologist. A lipidologist is a specialist to help you manage high blood lipid levels. Blood lipids include cholesterol
    and triglycerides. Good luck,
    Vic

    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 21:10
    I saw a new doctor today and he suggested I try Zetia.  It's worth a try!  He said I am low risk since no family members had a heart attack or stroke young.  My dad had a stroke but he died at 95.  Has anyone else tried Zetia?

    Sent from my iPhone





  • 14.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 23:25
    I tried zetia but it didn't lower my numbers enough. I also swear I still got muscle pains from zetia.. 





  • 15.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 10:15
    I take the injection called rapatha. I tried all the statins and several other options. All of them gave me terrible muscle pain. The repatha is an injection that you use every 2 weeks. This is gotten my cholesterol levels down to good levels and I don't suffer from any of the muscle pain. Hope this helps.! 

    Christine 





  • 16.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-13-2022 15:28
    Hello ! Linda !! I certainly understand your struggles w/Cholesterol.  .  . Bless You for your Perseverance knowing just how important getting those #'s down is to your overall Health ! 
    Since taking the Oat Powder Nutrim w/other Minerals that reduces Cholesterol #'s I have added w/my Dr.'s approval Garlic Gel Capsules & Red Yeast Rice...   here is a Good link to read


    Policosanols & Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is t/way to go ... I take t/#9 Label Nature's Life here is t/UPC code 0 40647 00413 9

    I was told to avoid t/ cheaper brands that include CoQ10 & Lovastatin (This chemical can lead to kidney failure and muscle tissue breakdown.)
    As a Cautionary note ...if RYR is taken with antibiotics, antidepressants, other cholesterol medications, and medication for fungal and HI infections, it can cause severe health problems.

    So if you are taking any of the medicine mentioned above, you should avoid these red yeast rice supplements.  I hope this works for you my 300+ #'s are now in the 160 - 180 average depending on if I have eaten a "little cheese & an Egg Yolk or two in between my blood draws" 

    I am now an Egg White with Feta Cheese as my Cheese of Choice dry crumbly cheeses are best for our Cholesterol levels ... : )

     ❤️ Robin Gage






  • 17.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 12-14-2022 08:01
    I am no doctor but my cardiologist changed my statin to Rosuvastatin.  No muscle pain and good cholesterol went up and everything else was normal. 
    Mentally I would think the Attractor Factor. You could change the way your thinking about it. Good luck.
    --
    Mahalo E Ke Akua No Keia La ~ Thanks be to God for this day!
     
    Peace begins with me.

    Godwin Wong







  • 18.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 07:37
    Linda,

    I do not have your issue with statins, but am here to tell you that your problem is not that unusual.  There are at least several people on this site that have posted about similar problems and the alternative medical solutions their cardiologists have prescribed.  I hope they will see your message and respond to you but, in any event, there is a search engine on this website that should permit you to find their posts on this subject. If you have any problem locating them, let me know and I will try to find them for you.

    Based on your story, though, I do suggest that you try seeing another cardiologist.  Based in my understanding, there is no reason why you should be going through this torture without your cardiologist having at least told you about and possibly tried another course of treatment for your problem.

    Good luck and please keep us posted.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 08:05
    Thank you so much for responding to my post. I have gone to another Dr. at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati Ohio across the river from us. He did put me on a channel Blocker to help open small arteries up so I could stop having the breathing episodes, and it has really helped .But as far as the statin he assured me I was on the correct one for my issues. My LDL is 230....and all  of my counts are way over the norm.I just cant imagine going through the rest of my life having such a hard time walking after being a runner in younger years and walking an average of 10,000 steps a day.I am going to try a product that a nice member suggested to me above. I will keep you updated and thank you so much for your advice,it seems like such a nice place to vent and get real advice from people who are living with the same problems! Have a wonderful day!!!

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 08:09
    Hello Linda from up the road in Dublin Ohio

    Welcome to the forum.  I understand how anxious you must feel about not being able to take statins.  I have several comments and some stories to tell.

    I took statins for many years for primary prevention because my total cholesterol level was above the magic level of 300, the standard then and had the muscle pains you described.  I too tried to get my levels down by the dietary measures recommended in the 1990s and early 2000s.  No eggs, shrimp etc. Couldn't do it but I did read a lot about statins and cholesterol. Studies by then were showing that 1) statins did not change outcomes when used before a person had a cardiac event like you did; and 2) the body makes cholesterol, an essential hormone for many vital process including the health of the myelin nerve sheaths in the brain.  I stopped the statins, kept up a healthy diet and the terrible muscle pains stopped. Hmm.

    Then about five years ago I began to have many symptomatic PVCs and the cardiologist at the time told me they were harmless. He said that I should have a glass of red wine at night and calm down.  After many months of worsening palpatations and more study of the literature online, I recall saying to myself "this can't be normal and harmless" so I insisted on a stress test as well as an echocardiogram because I've had mitral valve prolapse all my life.  I could not finish the stress test, literally fell off the treadmill and then had the echo.  I waited for results, nothing.  I asked for results, the stress test was abnormal and I showed it to a PhD nurse friend with a specialty in cardiology who said to get help at once.  Off to the cath lab where two 90% obstructions of my LAD were found and stented.  (I learned that the cardiologist had only looked at the echo results.) PVCs stopped and I did well in rehab although I did have to go back on statins since I'd had a cardiac event.  I'm tolerating atorvastain ok whereas simvistatin covered by insurance had been the worst for muscle pain.

    Research on diet has since shown that the body continues to make cholesterol despite your severe limiting of its intake in your food.
    I'm happily eating eggs and shrimp again. I tell you this story to make the point that "recommendations" change over time...seesawing back and forth.  Hard to find uniformity. What is crystal clear is that cholesterol is essential and I suspect we will eventually find that we are mistaken about how low to push total cholesterol levels artificially with a drug that gives us lab values that are incredibly low.  There's more going on in the body than lab values reflect. Then look at the numbers of healthy elderly people who've have high cholesterol all their lives. Hmm.

    Now, to speak to your anxiety about really not being able to take a statin as secondary prevention, which in our cases is thought to stabilize plaque in the coronary arteries. That claim sure gets our attention, it does mine.  I presume you are also taking low dose aspirin and a beta blocker as part of a treatment protocol?  And I imagine you were prescribed Plavix for 6 months to a year after your stenting? You're eating healthy food, exercising? Being proactive about managing anxiety, like writing to this forum. So it seems, you're missing just one of the elements of a good recovery.

    Through personal and professional experiences, I've come to respect the value of second opinions, especially from national centers of excellence for a particular problem.  I sought a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic five years ago and then after my failed CABG in September and poorly managed complications. I returned to the Cleveland Clinic.  They sorted me out in short order and I now get cardiology care there via tele-medicine.  I would seek a second opinion about your situation and concern about statins. It may be that more is already known about what to do/think in such scenarios. And you may find reassurance that your inability to take statins is not a life and death problem.

    I greatly respect the ability of the body to heal and the role that one's own positive attitude contributes to healing.  We ascribe so much significance to the medical recommendations of the day, even though they constantly evolve and the medical community is not uniformly informed about new/changing information on care.

    I wish you well and please stay in touch, Linda.  I hope I may have stimulated some more responses from others by my very long reply. I thought I should share a couple points as a doctorally prepared nurse scientist who's experiencing first hand many common issues in care.
    Best wishes
    Doris

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 16:48
    Hi Doris! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. I too had done so much research on statins before my event. They kept warning me that if I did not take a statin ,I would have a heart attack....or stroke. I have always been active and never smoked ,and even with the death of my son in 1989,I tried to cope, although much anxiety, hardly was a depressed person .I felt that I had to live because he was taken in 1st year of college and now could not live a beautiful life, so I had to do it in his honor. But my heart was broken, never to return to fully there .I was 38 years old. I know what stress can do to one's body, but I meditated and tried to stay positive for many years. In my late 50's is when they started telling me to go on a statin. I refused. As I said in the post I have never been a smoker and was always very active. My family members all took statins .I just could not believe the hipe.
                         So then I began with the palpations and breathing problems and episodes, that would come on like out of nowhere and last a couple minuets. I got to where I did not want to leave the house .I watched my amazing grand babies at the time and had to semi retire ,because every time I got to worked up, on came an episode. So after 8 months of that I finally had the ( and many many trips to the ER) doctor  do an angiogram. Then we find the 89 % blockage in main artery. I was put on Plavix for a year and yes baby aspirin and Crestor .It only took 2 months for me to call and tell the cardio Dr that I can not take this pill!. .He made me feel like an idiot. Then when he ordered a lipid test and my CK level was off the charts, he said stop taking it. My LDL is 230.All my numbers are terrible .I have tried OTC red Yeast and all of it, nothing helps them go down. So as of yesterday I started back on the Crestor. I now get depressed because I know what's next, as I get about 10,000 steps a day in walking, I know in a few days I wont be able to. But I wont stop! Your info is MOST amazing. I think I may try to get to the Cleveand Clinic and get some answerers. Again thank you so much for your amazing advice, it has relieved much stress!!!! Have a wonderful evening!

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-14-2021 09:02
    Hi, after I had a toxic reaction to 80mg of atorvastatin (Lipitor) my doctor put me on Rapatha.  So far, so good.  You inject Repatha every two weeks. It is an expensive drug.  However the mfg does offer a savings program.

    I hope this helps, Janis

    ------------------------------
    Janis MINER
    Rochester NY
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-17-2021 05:33
    Thank you Janis! I am hearing more and more of you all about Rapatha. My doctor did suggest this rout, can you tell me if you had severe back pain on this shot?Again, thank you for your input, it's greatly appreciated. Have a great week-end!

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 08-18-2021 12:50
    Hi Linda.  I recently had two injections of Repatha which resulted in severe back pain.I am not willing to continue. Good luck to you.

    ------------------------------
    Hildie Kauffman
    St. Peters PA
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-15-2021 09:29
    Linda,
    Statins are commonly prescribed for patients with cardiovascular disease. They can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who've never had one.
    Have you ever had a consult with a lymphologist?  They may be able to recommend a statin that your body can tolerate. 
    Best Regards,
    Vic Fabry

    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-16-2021 10:44
    Hi Linda,
    I agree with Vic Fabry about seeing a lymphologist to find a medicine/substitute that your body can tolerate.  If you haven't already researched on your computer, you could Google "I cannot take statins, what is a good substitute?" You might find some helpful information.  Not everything on the web is reliable so consult with your doctor first. 
    Joe Shocket
    Mended Hearts Chapter 28, Central Virginia
    Visiting Chairman


  • 27.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-16-2021 13:46
    Greetings, Linda, et al.,
    I spent a frustrating 8 years on different statins. I finally got relief when I stopped statins and switched to Repatha from Amgen. Repatha is a PCSK-9 inhibitor. Our Mended Hearts chapter heard a talk by cardiologist Dr. Steve Raskin, who explained how it works. Here's a link to his talk. https://youtu.be/O88yM0nzQr0

    Did you know the side effects of statins are exactly what you describe? Look up "statin induced myopathy". Here's one definition fm Google:
    "Symptoms of statin induced myopathy include fatigue, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, nocturnal cramping, and tendon pain. The muscle symptoms tend to be proximal, generalised, and worse with exercise."

    I was sent to a Rheumatologist, who, when I started listing my problems, held up his hand and stopped me. He told me what it was, and started me on a tapering regimen of the steroid Prednisone. I had IMMEDIATE relief! I mean the next day!! Previously I had to massage my fingers to unroll my hands each morning. I needed help to get off the toilet because my leg muscles would not hold me. I'm now a poster child for low cholesterol. My cardiologist told me that she was the only one on the cardio team of 14 who was willing to try Repatha... Statins have been seen as the panacea, but I wonder how many of the opioid dependencies are related to the pains caused by statins and the causation ignored.  

    Hope this helps!
    Laura

    ------------------------------
    Laura Kinley
    Alameda CA
    (510) 748-0444
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-17-2021 05:39
    Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me your story! So far it sounds like the Repatha is the way to go. Iam going to talk to my doctor, Monday about trying it ,hopefully my insurance will cover it. I am very glad that you got it all under control, as I know how frustrating this can be .Again ,thank you so much!!!

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-17-2021 07:26
    Laura,

    Thank you so much for sharing what you've learned about alternatives to
    statins.?? I didn't know about Repatha but thought surely there must be
    some alternative for Linda.?? I'm wondering whether that might be
    something I could benefit from too.

    On another subject, if you have interest in?? or the stomach for, I've
    just read a newly released book about the American Health Care System
    called The Hospital by journalist Brian Anderson. Living in Ohio all my
    life and knowing how poorly my state performs on health outcomes, this
    book hits the mark. Viscerally.?? We have all depended on what happens in
    hospitals to save our lives, and yet we know there are problems in the
    US system/non-system of health care.

    Stay informed, be resilient!

    DE




  • 30.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-20-2021 08:39
    Wow Laura!!!! Thank you so much for your story and sharing it with me.So you are taking the shot Repatha, correct? I read a few reviews some time ago when my doctor(family) suggested the shot.They spoke a lot about pain in the back? Do you experience any of that? If so is it minimal ? I am going to do some research today and will keep you posted.....and I am so happy that you got it all straighten out! Good for you! Again,thank you so much!!!

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-22-2021 11:42
    Hi Laura, thank you for sharing your experience with Statins. I did not realize that Statin induced Rhabdomyolysis could be so debilitating.
    I am not taking a Statin but I know a few persons who do. I will share your information with them. Thanks again.
    Joyce Reid
    Retired
    Chapter 161Hollywood Florida.



    Sent from my Metro By T-Mobile 4G LTE Android Device






  • 32.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-30-2021 11:51
    Hi Mended Heart advocates, my name is Graciela and I like to share what my cardiologist recommended and have worked fantastic since 2005, when I had my first heart attack( a so call widower maker).
    The cramps (pain) in legs and arms, did not permit me to have a fair sleep at night.( 80 mg of statin at that time).
    I was recommended to take by my Cardiologist," CoQ10"100 mg. PROBLEM SOLVED.
    Today I take 40mg statin and 300 mg CoQ10. Statin at night and Coq10 with lunch.
    Statin remove some of the natural CoQ10 stored in our muscles and causes the cramps.
    Co10 replenished and give you energy too, that is the reason to take it at lunch time.
    you can research this on Google. I love my (falling apart book)"High blood pressure lowered naturally" by editors of FC& Medical Publishing. ( Page 133-136) Tremendous information in a very simple language. You all have gest by now that English is not my native language.
    I had since 2005,  5 stents at different times, a defibrillator /pacemaker replaced already and I'm very grateful to my cardiologist, cardiac rehab in Mission Viejo Hospital and to all of today technology that help us keep enjoying our family.
    Going to celebrate my 74 this December, love life, have many different projects, and try to enjoy today. "one day at the time"
    Best wishes to all of you, Graciela
    PS.I never take any supplement without consulting with my cardiologist.(and I take plenty)






  • 33.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 05-01-2021 06:34

    Hi Graciela,

    You mentioned one thing in particular that struck me-the fact that you are now taking 40 mg of your statin instead of the more standard 80 mg.  A couple of years ago, I cracked my head really badly and a C-Scan showed that I had a slight bleed inside my skull.  The neurologist took me off aspirin for a week and reduced my atorvastatin dose from 80 mg to 40 mg a day, also for a week, because, apparently, atorvastatin poses some minimal bleeding risk.  

    I was a a bit concerned about this so I did some research and read a study that found 40 mg of daily atorvastatin was virtually just as effective in reducing cholesterol levels as 80 mg, and was indicated for people who could not tolerate 80 mg. So, for all you folks out there with statin problems, it seems that the real science is that normal dosages numbers are not a science and that there is a range of dosages and other options that work.

    Ira



    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 05-03-2021 09:53
    Just checked my prescription label and I'm on 40mg Atorvastatin also. Guess it's been a few years, and it's worked for me too.​

    ------------------------------
    Bob] Levin
    Berkeley CA
    adelbob@comcast.netRobertRobert
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-17-2021 05:36
    Thank you Joseph! I have gotten such great advice on this site. It's nice to know I am not alone with the struggles of statins! Have a great week-end.

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-17-2021 11:33
    Happy Saturday ... to those interested in Data related on the Lipid subject here are some newly released Studies /Information & Resources from the NLA (National Lipid Association) Very Informative Topics !
    : ) Robin

    https://www.learnyourlipids.com/

    https://www.learnyourlipids.com/womensriskforheartdisease/

    Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.





  • 37.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-17-2021 05:28
    Thank you so much for your response. I have had some great suggestions from this site. I am going to look into lymphologist ASAP, because it is not just the statins that I have problems with ,it's many medications that I have had many issues with. My family doctor says that I am over sensitive to medications. So this sounds like a great idea! Again, thank you.

    ------------------------------
    linda scroggins
    retired
    Florence KY
    ------------------------------



  • 38.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-25-2021 01:25
    Not sure my previous reply went through....

    Quit eating cholesterol.  That's the solution to your problem.

    ------------------------------
    Anthony Smith
    Lake Elsinore CA
    ------------------------------



  • 39.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-26-2021 06:52
    Anthony,

    That is not scientifically correct.  The human body manufactures cholesterol and many people have high cholesterol levels no matter what they eat or don't eat.  Medical science isn't even clear to the extent that dietary cholesterol even matters.  They keep going back and forth about the issue.  For example, when I was in inpatient cardiac rehab, they thought it was perfectly fine for me to eat two hardboiled eggs for breakfast each day, even though, years earlier, it would not have been okay.  Nowadays, it is again not okay.

    Ira

    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 40.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-26-2021 13:10

    Ira,
    You are correct.  If one has a genetic propensity of Familial High Lipids [Cholesterol] markings in their Bloodwork and they only eat Cucumbers they will still have High Lipid #'s in their Bloodwork.  
    Not everyone is Blessed w/t "Good Cholesterol" the HDL which helps your body counter act the "Bad Cholesterol" the LDL.
    Below is the Best explained article I have ever read that perfectly tells the Human Body Lipid Story ...
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388

    NO Judging here just helpful Scientific information to assist others along their Heart Failure Recovery journey . . .  0 : )
    Robin Gage


    Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.





  • 41.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-26-2021 16:52
    I meet a friend on the golf course who told me he had collapsed outdoors this past winter and suffered a heart attack. He was taken to a local hospital and received two stents to open a 98% blockage.  His doctor told him that his heart showed no permanent damage due to his excellent physical condition.
    How often does this occur?

    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 06:44

    Victor,

    I doubt the accuracy of the "no permanent damage" assessment.  I was told the same thing immediately after my "mild" heart attack three tears ago, probably because of my "excellent physical condition", only to have my cardiologist recently mention, "and here's the portion of your heart muscle that died​ as a result of the heart attack" when he showed me the photos of my recent nuclear stress test (which showed that my grafts all remain clean).  I'm not a doctor, but I think a necessary result of having a heart attack is that the portion of the heart muscle affected by the blockage dies, sort of like a necessary result of being killed is that you're now dead.


    And, by the way, whenever I think or hear from people of my "great physical condition" before the heart attack (as in "how of all people did you have a heart attack-you work out all the time and you eat so healthy"), I think about the legendary running author, the great Jim Fixx, author of "The Complete Book of Running" which helped launch the running movement in the 1970's, who died of a massive heart attack while in the middle of one of his daily 10 mike runs.  Physical conditioning is great, and important for heart health, but it is no substitute for a great set of genes.  I still marvel at older obese friends and colleagues, eating, smoking and/or drinking their way seemingly into oblivion while never having had a heart attack, open heart attack, open heart surgery or stroke.  Well, they all have to die of something.  As Jack Nicholson's character said while vomiting from his chemotherapy in "The Bucket List" (great movie), "right now, some lucky bastard is having a heart attack."

    Ira



    ------------------------------
    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 43.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 07:19
    Ira,
    I agree.  This fellow wants to believe his cardiologist's statement that his heart attack (myocardial infarction) "caused no permanent damage".  But the definition of a heart attack is death of heart tissue due to lack of blood supply.  The cardiologist did him no favor by making that statement because he may not take the steps with diet and exercise which may improve his chances for a longer life and reduce the chances of another heart attack.
    Regards,
    Vic Fabry
    CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 






  • 44.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 07:44
    Hello Victor

    I'd like to add a couple points to Ira's excellent response to your
    question about how many people survive heart attacks without "damage."??
    The diagnosis of "heart attack" is based on the levels of troponin found
    in the bloodstream and EKG findings as well as the person's physical
    symptoms like angina.?? I imagine you had many troponin levels draws
    during your hospitalization. Troponin is a protein in heart muscle cells
    that is released when the cell has insufficient oxygen as in when a
    vessel is blocked or nearly blocked.?? Troponin levels are tracked to see
    how high they go in the days following the event and whether they are
    going up or down.

    For someone like you, with 98% blockage, a great many heart muscle cells
    may be "stunned" and releasing troponin after the heart attack.?? But
    because you got prompt care, a cath and stenting, your cells were soon
    getting sufficient oxygen again. Some portion of the stunned cells
    recover and that is only known with the passage of time.?? Some portion
    of cells are likely dead. But the human body, amazingly regenerative,
    once assaulted begins the remarkable process of healing.?? Eg, it begins
    to form its own small collateral "bypasses" around the dead cells.

    It's not possible to know precisely how many people recover from
    documented heart attacks without "damage."?? One would need to design a
    study using nuclear stress tests and that's not cost-effective or even
    desirable because of expense incurred and exposure to radiation.?? We
    don't need to do that.?? We see people, especially those who were in good
    physical condition before their heart attacks, functionally recovering
    and doing well. That's what counts at the end of the day.

    Ira's point about genetics is so relevant.?? I was in good physical
    health, getting cardiology care but, none-the-less, have major CAD that
    nearly killed me.?? My parents both died of sudden massive heart attacks
    at about my age, 76.?? So I am alive because of access to care including
    CABG, stents and medications.?? I am left with areas of poor perfusion
    that can't be stented that are being managed with medications; I call
    them my "angina cocktail." I'll likely always have angina and I suspect
    more returns to the cath lab because this disease is progressive.?? I am
    grateful for all the good people who have helped me.

    I hope this explanation is useful to you, Victor.?? Your heart is mending
    and your commitment to exercise, good diet and positive thinking are
    contributing.?? Cultivating the trait of "resilience" is one of the most
    helpful things we can do for ourselves.?? Assess the damage, count our
    blessings, plan for healing, adapt and move on.?? Each day is a good day
    for living to the fullest.

    Wishing you well

    DE




  • 45.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 08:34
    Doris,  
    I am not the heart patient that I was discussing with Ira.  I have a connective tissue disorder that required two aneurysm repairs to my ascending aorta in 2007 and my aortic arch in 2017.  I've been told this is not classic heart disease but a congenital defect. The discussion was with friend I've known for at least 20 years at a local YMCA. 
    He's a very lucky fellow and should have been made aware by his cardiologist that he has heart disease and emphasize the steps he should take including a healthy diet and exercise to avoid future events.
    Vic
    --
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC





  • 46.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 08:56
    Whoops.  I apologize.  Obviously I'm having some trouble with the reply functions of the Forum.  I'll try harder.
    Take care
    DE

    ------------------------------
    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
    ------------------------------



  • 47.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 09:11
    Doris,
    No apologies required. Thank you for the detailed explantation of cause and recovery from a heart attack.  I'll play golf with him in the future but I will reserve giving advice on heart disease and only ask about his game.
    Vic
    --
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC





  • 48.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 11-27-2021 15:17
    I had a 100% blockage in my right coronary artery in March 2021. It was opened with a stent and I was put on the usual cocktail of drugs for those who have had a heart attack. I was very active and had developed two corallary arteries that were helping to naturally bypass the blocked artery. Rather amazing. My echo cardiogram was normal right after the heart attack as well as several months later. 

    Being fit seems to make everything better, but then that's no surprise. I was also told my heart suffered no permanent damage. Yay for that! I did quite well in cardiac rehab ( which was sort like what I had been doing before ). Since then, I am carefully monitoring my heart rate while exercising to be as carefull as possible while I recover. I may not ever do intense sports again, but I will definitely stay with with a moderate workout schedule. There's not a lot of info out there on folks like us! I had no typical risk factors except genetic ones...like double copy of APOE4 genes and some other suspects. My recovery wasn't completely easy however, I had chest pain on and off for months. I believe it was related to the stent, and to ongoing anxiety. 

    As an aside, I was put on 40mg.crestor and developed severe muscle pain over several months, despite taking almost 300mg of CoQ 10 daily. These pains went away in a couple of weeks after D/C the statin. I am now on Zetia ( or the generic) which was also suggested by my lipidologist in town after the heart attack. We'll see how that works. My blood lipids had been pretty reasonable , and my carotid artery scan was clear. I was in the middle of a very unpleasant divorce at the time of the heart attack. Seems likely that stress and genetics were the pain cause. 

    Hope my story might be helpful to others who are fit, but stressed! 


    ------------------------------
    Christine Wagner
    Christine r Wagner
    Santa Fe NM
    ------------------------------



  • 49.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 10:31
    What really lowers cholesterol and triglycerides are those injections. Either Praluent or Repatha. They are self injected every two weeks. No more leg cramps. Only problem is they are expensive but more insurance companies are paying now. So grateful mine is. My copay is a whopping 5.




  • 50.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 04-27-2021 11:15
    No matter what the underlying issue may be for your high cholesterol, take a good look at what Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D. and Dr. T. Colin Campbell (among others) have to say from their decades of cardiac care and research.

    ------------------------------
    Diane Caputo
    Olympia WA
    (360) 705-1271
    ------------------------------



  • 51.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 05-12-2021 14:12
    Hello Linda,
    I strongly suggest you try Repatha.  I cannot take statins as they attack my muscle fiber. One day my doctor called me because my muscle enzymes were so bad he said I would have to be "thrown off of a roof" to get them that high.  So I had to stop taking them after trying many that caused problems. Later, I needed 4X (but ended up with 3X due to the size of the artery) CABG last February. My LDL was 128 while on Zetia and Welchol since I couldn't take statins.  Had what I thought was a recurrent bout of esophageal spasms but turned out to be 100% blocked LAD and 95% and 85% on the other two and was told if I left the hospital I wouldn't make it back.  I had no heart attack.  I got on Repatha and my LDL went down to 16!  The Cardiologist told me it was too low and took be off Welchol.  Now it is about 33.  I have no side effects from Repatha at all. The injection is done with a disposable pen type and the needle is very small. It takes a few seconds every 2 weeks and works magic! It lets me sleep at night instead of being worried all the time. I strongly suggest that you look into it with your cardiologist. 
    Good Luck,
    Joe

    ------------------------------
    Joseph Scuralli
    Dean
    Berkeley College
    Wayne
    973-696-5809
    ------------------------------



  • 52.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 05-12-2021 16:57
    I totally relate to not being able to take statins. I have been on the Praluent injection for last six years. Recently switched to Repatha injectable because of an insurance mandate. These twice monthly injections lower my cholesterol and triglycerides. Only issue is cost if no insurance but we get to live longer I believe. 





  • 53.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 05-12-2021 16:58






  • 54.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 11-27-2021 17:37
    Linda,
    Statins can prevent plaque and clots from forming and causing problems.  I was prescribed Atorvastatin for that reason.  If your cardiologist has doubts about the need, see a lipidologist for professional advice.
    ATB,



    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 55.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 11-27-2021 19:56
    Hi Linda,i have survived 2 heart attack.
    My body produced too much cholesterol.
    I was initially on 80 milligrams of statin and now on 40 miligrams
    My cardiologist prescribed CoQ10 300 milligrams and problem solved
    No more excruciating pains on my legs and arms
    This was 16 years ago.
    You can purchase without prescription in Costco. (Is the most reasonable price)
    Statins withdrawal the natural CoQ10 from your muscles and that is what produces the cramps.
    It does not interfere with any other medication and you will be controlling the cholesterol, that is VERY important thing to do.
    You may want to talk with you doctor, but this is very common knowledge with most cardiologist
    Best of luck, try to learn some techniques to relax, because it does wanders(mindfulness, Tai Chi, yoga)

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 56.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 02-22-2023 09:50

    I have heard that consuming oat bran, not oatmeal can lower cholesterol. You will need to reaserch the specifics.

    After having a bad reaction to an 80m of Lipitor ( I was on 20mg for years with out a problem) I was put on Repatha. I inject it every other week.

    I hope this helps and good luck.

    Janis



    ------------------------------
    Janis MINER
    Rochester NY
    ------------------------------



  • 57.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 02-22-2023 11:15

    Linda,

    You like some other patients can not tolerate statins but there may be other lipid-lowering medications you can tolerate. I suggest you contact a lipidologist or lipid specialist who is best qualified to treat your condition.
    Good Luck,
    Vic Fabry



    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, CEO
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 58.  RE: HELP, Statins....can NOT take them!

    Posted 02-23-2023 12:26

    Wow.  Lots of good advice in response to your question.  I dropped my cholesterol 100 points (from 230 to 130) in a couple of months with a multi-prong approach:  1.  Step One foods;  2. eliminating all processed meats (bacon, ham, even deli turkey, etc.);  3. 10mg of Atorvastatin with 100mg CoQ-10 each day.  (Step One Foods was developed by a cardiologist who wanted to help her patients who couldn't take statins.)  Good luck. I hope you find something that works for you.



    ------------------------------
    Deborah Perry
    ------------------------------